When you watch Paramount’s hit series Yellowstone, it’s impossible to miss the incredible horsemanship. The actors move with a natural confidence, and the horses perform complex maneuvers that look as real as any day on a working ranch. This authenticity leaves many fans asking a simple question: who is the horse trainer in Yellowstone? The answer isn’t a single person but a reflection of the show’s deep commitment to the Western lifestyle, starting from the very top.
The primary force behind the show’s masterful equestrian element is its creator, Taylor Sheridan. However, he’s backed by a team of real-world cowboys and professional trainers who bring their invaluable expertise to the set. Together, they create the seamless and breathtaking horse work that has become a hallmark of the series.
Taylor Sheridan: The Mastermind Behind the Reins
More than just the show’s creator, writer, and occasional director, Taylor Sheridan is the horse trainer at the heart of Yellowstone. He is an accomplished horseman and a real-life cowboy with deep roots in Texas ranching culture. Sheridan doesn’t just write about the cowboy way of life; he lives it. He owns two ranches in Texas, which provide most of the expertly trained horses seen on screen.
Dissatisfied with the poorly trained and often unsafe horses typically used in Hollywood productions, Sheridan took matters into his own hands. “I bought all the horses for the show and then taught the actors how to ride,” he explained in an interview. This hands-on approach ensures the safety of his cast and elevates the show’s authenticity to a level rarely seen on television.
Sheridan also appears on-screen as Travis Wheatley, a charismatic, no-nonsense horse trader and trainer. He cast himself in the role partly because he couldn’t find an actor with the high level of riding skill required to play the part believably. When you see Travis executing a perfect sliding stop or working with a world-class cutting horse, you’re watching Taylor Sheridan’s genuine expertise.
Training the Actors to Ride Like Pros
To achieve the realism he demands, Sheridan puts the cast through an intensive training program he calls “Cowboy Camp.” Before filming begins, actors are immersed in the daily life of a ranch, learning to ride, handle horses, and work cattle. This isn’t about looking good in the saddle; it’s about understanding the deep connection between a cowboy and their horse.
This rigorous training is essential for actors like Cole Hauser (Rip Wheeler), Luke Grimes (Kayce Dutton), and Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton) to portray their characters convincingly. It builds a foundation of confidence and skill that translates directly to the screen, allowing them to perform many of their own riding scenes. This dedication is why the interactions between the characters and their horses feel so genuine and lived-in.
The Real Cowboys: Bringing Authenticity to the Screen
While Taylor Sheridan is the visionary, he doesn’t do it alone. The production relies on a team of professional horse trainers, wranglers, and real-life cowboys to ensure every equestrian detail is accurate. These experts work behind the scenes to care for the horses, prepare them for scenes, and serve as stunt riders when necessary. Their involvement is crucial for capturing the subtle nuances of horsemanship and ranch operations that give the show its gritty realism.
In some episodes, the show features actual legends from the Western performance horse world. In Season 3, renowned trainers like Bob Avila, Todd Bergen, and Corey Cushing appeared on-screen with their champion horses in a scene where John Dutton shops for a new mount. This not only adds a layer of authenticity but also serves as a nod to the real-world equestrian community.
The Four Sixes Ranch Connection
The show’s commitment to authenticity is further solidified by its connection to the legendary 6666 Ranch (Four Sixes) in Texas. This historic and iconic ranch, now owned by a group represented by Taylor Sheridan, serves as both a filming location and a source of genuine cowboy culture. The Four Sixes is famous for its world-class American Quarter Horses and its deep-rooted ranching traditions. By integrating this real-world institution into the storyline, particularly with Jimmy Hurdstrom’s journey, Yellowstone grounds its fiction in the tangible reality of the American West.
So, while the character of Travis Wheatley might be the on-screen trainer, the true horse training force behind Yellowstone is a collaborative effort. It starts with Taylor Sheridan’s vision and personal expertise and is supported by a dedicated team of professionals who live and breathe the cowboy code every day. This blend of Hollywood storytelling and authentic Western horsemanship is what makes the world of the Dutton Ranch feel so powerfully real.
